Lesser Key of Solomon

Though King Solomon's existence ranged around 900 B.C., a grimoire titled the Lesser Key of Solomon (otherwise known as the Lemegeton) suddenly appeared around the 17^th century. Though the book is anonymous, yet claims to be written by King Solomon himself, text references prove that the book established itself around the 16^th century. If you are unfamiliar with the term "grimoire," it is applied to textbooks of magic typically utilized to perform magical rituals and invoke spirits. This one in particular, claims to conjure those Solomon evoked and contained in a brass vessel.

The book is divided into five separate parts. The first, the Ars Goetia, describes each of the 72 demons said to be confined by King Solomon. For example, King Baal, whom we notice in various sections of the Old Testament, is identified as the first king in hell, who now rules over the east. It is said that those who are able to invoke this demon may be given the power of invisibility. He appears in the form of a man, or a cat.

The second, the Ars Theurgia Goetia, will detail information regarding the aerial spirits. After King Solomon confined the 72 demons inside his brass vessel, a specific seal was required in order to slave the acquired demon for safety measures, of course. 31 seals are listed, and each demon will conform to one among them. Without these seals and the proper magic rituals, the demon is likely to take control over the conjurer.

The three remaining books, the Ars Paulina, Ars Almadel, and Ars Notoria will detail the angels that preside over the 12 hours of day and night, and their subordinates. It will detail the seals attributed to each angel, and how each man can identify the angel on watch during his/her birth. Once the almadel (wax tablet symbolized to protect the conjurer) is created, the magician must research the favors that may be asked of him/her by the angel invoked. Finally, prayers will be detailed and require the conjurer to record via memory. The closing book will also describe the prayers and how they relate to mental stability, etc. The conclusion......King Solomon's experience while interacting with the angels and learning of the revelation to come.

Though the book is intended as literature only, it also holds many beliefs that man may possess godly powers. The book was once, and still maybe in the wrong hands, persecuted by the Church as magicians were attempting to defy such holiness. Readers beware....as mentioned; the book merely exists today to provide information in a literal sense. Those who attempt such actions entailed within the grimoire may contradict religious beliefs and be persecuted.